The Golden State, from California Fires to Gay Marriage

By: Andrew Robichaud - Published: Sep 1, 2009 Updated: Aug 11 2011

California may be hitting a rough spot with the current California fires, but the Golden State has been the home to many different societal advancements as well as creative innovations throughout many generations.

In California we've seen ugly dog contests, beauty pageant winners getting fired, environmental and health programs and many more innovations that stand above the hardship of the California fires. Check out the variety of innovations that help give California its character!